How about some Lyle Lovett to start the week. Even better, a Lovett duet with Nanci Griffith. This video goes way back to the 1970’s when Lovett and Griffith performed “Closing Time” – one of my favorite Lovett songs – in an Austin backyard.
Taken For a Ride – a Premiere from Nathan Mongol Wells
Our introduction to Dallas musician Nathan Mongol Wells came via his rock band Ottoman Turks. Their 2019 debut delivered some fun cowpunk and their 2021 follow-up rocked with a harder edge. His forthcoming solo debut, however, showcases his gentler side. Among the better examples is the ballad “Taken for a Ride”. A pedal steel gives […]
Monday Morning Video – Carson McHone and Julianna Riolino
Last week I shared a video from Daniel Romano’s Outfit. This week let’s enjoy a pair of solo gems from Outfit members Carson McHone and Julianna Riolino. First up is McHone’s “Hawks Don’t Share” from her 2022 release Still Life. Then it’s Riolino, backed by the Outfit, covering Fairpoint Convention’s “Come All Ye” segueing into […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2023
Tumbleweed, Jeremie Albino (from the Good People Record Co. release Tears You Hide) While Jeremie Albino may tease with 30 seconds of old-time pickin’ on album opener “Dance With Me”, he very quickly brings out the good time – and rowdy – fun that defines Tears You Hide. “Angeline”, the first full track, finds the […]
Monday Morning Video – Daniel Romano’s Outfit
I watched Daniel Romano’s Outfit lay waste to New York City’s Bowery Ballroom this past weekend. All rock, no banter (except when the drummer broke the bass drum – when was the last time you saw THAT happen). The set not only featured songs from Romano’s extensive catalog, but also a few from bandmates Carson […]
Cry Me a River – a Premiere from My Sister, My Brother
There’s something special when independent artists collaborate. I’m not talking about two songwriters sitting in a room to write a song together but rather when they weave their talents together to create a cohesive and collaborative piece of work. The results can be magical. Such is the story of Garrison Starr and Sean McConnell – […]
Twangville on Tour in NYC, BOS, & PVD
We’ve done periodic shows in the past but we might have gotten a bit carried away this summer. We’ve got not one, not two, not three, but four shows on the books. Read on for details on the shows and featured artists, as well as videos from all of the performers. Americana the Beautiful – […]
Monday Morning Video – The Americans
Los Angeles group The Americans craft a sound that is both unique yet familiar. Here’s a fave from Stand True, their most recent album. I love how it is both sparse and raucous, the music setting a gritty foundation for singer Patrick Ferris’ impassioned vocals.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2023 (So Far), the Songs
Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia) Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em. Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things) Getting by on simple things, letting go […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2023 (So Far), the Albums
Stand in the Joy by William Prince Stand in the Joy is the kind of album that you can get lost in – Prince’s voice and songs are as soothing as they are poignant. Best listened to with your eyes closed. Sweet Anhedonia by Ben de la Cour Sweet Anhedonia is richly textured and darkly […]